Claire decided to call in sick; she needed a distraction. “I know a great place a few minutes away, if you’re willing to walk.” She couldn’t help but nod, the mischievous glint from so long ago flickered in his eyes. She could just make it out before it vanished, and his gaze rested on her left hand.

She followed him obediently, a half step behind, as he made his way to a neon-lit diner. “So,” he spoke over his shoulder, “Engaged, huh? When’s the big day?” Her cheeks felt warm.

“Oh, we haven’t really decided on a date yet.” she lied, almost. They’d set a date, but postponed. Then they’d postponed again. Jake said she was stifling; she wasn’t letting him be a free man. He was cheating, she knew. Well, that door would swing both ways.

Jesse could feel the tension radiating from her, and was surprised to find himself enjoying it. Something wasn’t right with this new guy, her fiance. She could still be his, at least for a night. After all, this was Claire, his beautiful Claire…

She belonged to him.